Crime
23-year-old Rayshun Bates killed in off-duty officer-involved shooting at Twin Peaks in Huntsville
Three other people were also injured and are still being evaluated at this time.
A tragic incident occurred at Twin Peaks on University Drive in Huntsville’s MidCity District late Saturday night, where a 23-year-old man, Rayshun Bates, was killed, and three others were injured in an off-duty officer-involved shooting.
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles reported that the situation began when a fight broke out between two groups at the restaurant.
The altercation escalated, leading to the involvement of an off-duty Huntsville Police Department (HPD) officer, who discharged their weapon during the incident.
The Madison County Coroner, Tyler Berryhill, confirmed on Sunday morning that Bates, who sustained gunshot injuries at the scene, had unfortunately passed away.
An autopsy is scheduled to take place in Huntsville later in the week to provide further details.
While Chief Giles did not provide specific updates on the conditions of the other individuals shot, it was reported that a total of four people were transported to Huntsville Hospital Trauma Services for treatment.
According to HEMSI (Huntsville Emergency Medical Services, Inc.) spokesperson Don Webster, the shooting was reported around 9:50 p.m. and one person remains in critical condition while the others are still undergoing evaluation.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has taken over the investigation and is working to gather evidence and understand the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome. Further updates are expected as ALEA proceeds with its investigation.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.